Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Israel bombs Gaza tunnels

Al Jazeera's Ayman Mohyeldin, reporting from Gaza city, said: "We understand that at least four people have been injured, including two civilians."

The Israeli military confirmed the air raids on Tuesday in a statement.

Israeli warplanes frequently target the tunnels.

Mohyeldin said: "We have been able to confirm that within the last 90 minutes or so there has been a series of air strikes across the Gaza Strip mostly concentrated along the border between Egypt and Gaza in the town of Rafah; and there we understand were a series of air strikes - about five, according to sources."

There were also four air strikes in Gaza city and northern parts of Gaza that targeted a workshop, including "a group of what is believed to be Palestinian fighters", he reported.

Israel alleges that Hamas, a Palestinian faction, uses the tunnels to smuggle in weapons, explosives, rockets and ammunition.

With Israel and Egypt enforcing a tight blockade on Gaza, smugglers use the tunnels to bring in other items like food, medicine and even livestock.